Sunday, November 23, 2014

Bayezid II Mosque

The Bayezid Mosque

The Bayezid Mosque was commissioned by its namesake, Sultan Bayezid II. It was the second imperial mosque complex to be built after the conquest in 1453. (The first was the Fatih Mosque and Complex.) Little is known about the architect, but the mosque’s polished style mimics earlier Ottoman as well as western architectural techniques. The surrounding complex dates from 1501 to 1506. Imperial architect, Mimar Sinan, made repairs in 1573-1574.

The Bayezid Mosque

The mosque itself is about 40 meters square and the dome is 17 meters in diameter. The structure is built entirely from cut stone and marble brought from nearby Byzantine ruins. The tombs of Sultan Bayezid II, his daughter Selçuk Hatun, and Grand Vizier Koca Mustafa Resid Pasha can be found in a small garden behind the mosque.

Notes:

Before entering the mosque, women must cover their shoulders, arms, and heads.